System and method for trimming wood blocks

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a system, apparatus and method for preparing wood blocks. The embodiments disclosed may comprise paddle designs, trimming unit designs and methods, scanner unit designs and methods, for use in the trimming of wood blocks. The blocks may be used for finger jointing.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/771,210, filed Jun. 29, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,109,302,which is related to U.S. provisional application No. 60/913,386, filedApr. 23, 2007, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The embodiments disclosed relate to systems and methods for trimmingwood blocks and to wood blocks produced using such 5 systems andmethods.

BACKGROUND

The prior art discloses a range of units for use in the preparation ofwood blocks for finger jointing. U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,465 to Nowakowskidiscloses a system for automatically determining the end 10 profiles ofblocks and rejecting blocks with unacceptable profiles; U.S. Pat. No.3,856,061 to Miles and U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,190 to Newnes disclosemethods for cutting lumber to specified lengths; and U.S. Pat. No.6,173,829 to Jackson et al discloses a circulating paddle positioningfence.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment there is disclosed an apparatus for trimming awood block that may comprise: a first conveyor having a first directionof travel and a first conveyor surface and comprising two conveyorchains, the conveyor chains together defining an open spacetherebetween; an infeed for delivering onto the first conveyor a woodblock extending between first and second ends; a scanner unit forscanning the wood block on the first conveyor and comprising a firstsensor and a first processor, the first sensor being operativelyconnected to the first processor for calculating a solution for the woodblock; wherein the conveyor chains are narrow relative to the spacebetween the conveyor chains so that sufficient scanning information canbe derived for the processor to calculate the solution; and a trimmingunit actuable by the first processor and comprising: a second conveyorhaving first and second lateral edges and a second conveyor surface anda second direction of travel; a wood block positioner comprising a firstpaddle moveable transversely inwardly across the second conveyorsurface; and a first trimsaw for trimming the first end of the woodblock.

In alternative embodiments the trimming unit may comprise a secondpaddle and a second trimsaw and wherein the second paddle is actuable bythe first processor to position the wood block for the second trimsaw totrim the second end.

In alternative embodiments sufficient scanning information can bederived when the block passes through the scanner unit once.

In alternative embodiments the apparatus may further comprise a ripsawfeed substantially at right angles to the second conveyor 15 carryingthe trimmed wood block.

In alternative embodiments the apparatus may further comprise a kickeractuable by the first processor to eject the wood block when the firstprocessor determines that there is no solution for the wood block thatsatisfies predetermined parameters.

In alternative embodiments one of the first and second conveyors has aplurality of associated locations for receiving individual ones of thewood blocks and the apparatus may further comprise: a reservoir forholding a second wood block extending longitudinally between first andsecond ends and for which an acceptable solution is calculable by thefirst processor; a second processor for tracking the location associatedwith the second wood block; and a second infeed operably connected toand actuable by the second processor for delivering the second woodblock into the location transversely to the second direction of travelif the wood block has been ejected.

In alternative embodiments the location is defined by a lug.

In alternative embodiments the apparatus may further comprise: a thirdsensor and a third processor operatively connected to identify vacantlocations on one of the first and second conveyors; a reservoir forholding the second wood block extending longitudinally between first andsecond ends and for which the acceptable solution is calculable; and athird infeed for transversely delivering the second wood block into thevacant locations the third infeed being actuable by the second processorto deliver the second wood block to fill the vacant location on one ofthe first and second conveyors.

In alternative embodiments the first paddle has an end part and the endpart is flexible.

In alternative embodiments the first paddle is a brush.

In alternative embodiments the brush has bristles and the bristles arebetween about 0.04 and about 0.08 inches in diameter.

In alternative embodiments an individual one of the conveyor chains isless than about 1 inch wide.

In alternative embodiments an individual one of the conveyor chains isabout 0.5 inches wide.

In alternative embodiments the conveyor chains are bicycle chains.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed an apparatus wherein: oneof the first and second conveyors comprises a lug having a lug surfacefor preventing an individual one of the wood blocks from slidingbackwards relative to the direction of movement of one of the first andsecond conveyors; a resistive member is mounted above at least one ofthe first and second conveyors for urging the wood block against a thelug surface; and the resistive member is flexible.

In alternative embodiments the resistive member is a brush.

In alternative embodiments one of the first and second conveyors mayfurther comprise a plurality of lugs.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a finger jointing systemthat may comprise the apparatus as disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a method for trimming awood block that may comprise trimming the wood block using the apparatusas disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a wood block made usingthe apparatus as disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed the use of an that maycomprise the apparatus as disclosed above to a wood block.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a trimming unit fortrimming a wood block, the trimming unit comprising a conveyor, aprocessor and a wood block positioner: the conveyor being able to carrya wood block having first and second ends, the conveyor having first andsecond lateral edges, a conveyor surface, and an associated direction oftravel; the wood block positioner actuable by the processor, andcomprising a first paddle moveable along the direction of travel of theconveyor and transversely inwardly across and above the conveyor toposition the first end of the wood block relative to a first trimsaw.

In alternative embodiments the trimming may further comprise a secondpaddle moveable against the wood block to position the second end of thewood block relative to a second trimsaw.

In alternative embodiments the trimming is preparation for fingerjointing.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a trimming unit that mayfurther comprise a plurality of first paddles, and wherein the woodblock is associated with a location on the second conveyor and whereinan individual one of the first paddles is moveable in the seconddirection of travel of the second conveyor substantially synchronouslywith the location.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a trimming unit wherein:the first paddles are arranged in a first paddle array comprising afirst paddle positioning fence; the first paddle positioning fence isoriented along a line converging with the second direction of travel ofthe second conveyor; and individual ones of the first paddles aremoveable incrementally inwardly across the second conveyor surfacethrough a continuous range of positions.

In alternative embodiments the first paddles are mounted along thepaddle positioning fence on cam mounts.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a trimming unit that mayfurther comprise a second paddle array comprising a second paddlepositioning fence and wherein the second paddle positioning fence isoriented along a line converging with the second direction of travel ofthe second conveyor.

In alternative embodiments the line of the first paddle positioningfence converges with the second direction of travel of the secondconveyor at an angle of between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees.

In alternative embodiments the angle is about 15 degrees.

In alternative embodiments the first paddle has an end part and the endpart is flexible.

In alternative embodiments the first paddle is a brush.

In alternative embodiments the brush has bristles and the bristles arebetween about 0.04 inches and about 0.08 inches in diameter.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a trimming unit wherein:one of the first and second conveyors comprises a lug having a lugsurface for preventing an individual one of the wood blocks from slidingbackwards relative to the direction of movement of one of the first andsecond conveyors; the trimming unit comprises a resistive member mountedabove one of the first and second conveyor surfaces for urging the woodblock against the lug surface.

In alternative embodiments the resistive member is a brush.

In alternative embodiments one of the first and second conveyors mayfurther comprise a plurality of lugs.

In alternative embodiments the infeed may comprise a third conveyorsubstantially at right angles to the first conveyor for delivering thewood block onto the first conveyor surface transversely to the firstdirection of travel of the first conveyor.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a method for trimming 25 awood block that may comprise using the trimming unit as disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a wood block made usingthe trimming unit as disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed the use of an apparatuscomprising the trimming unit as disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a scanner unit forcontinuously scanning wood blocks to be finger jointed, an individualwood block having a length, and the scanner unit may comprise: a firstconveyor having a first direction of travel for carrying the wood blocksoriented substantially transversely to the first direction of travel andcomprising two substantially parallel first conveyor chains, each havinga width and a surface and together defining an open space between thesurfaces; a first sensor for scanning the wood blocks while the woodblocks are being carried by the first conveyor, the first sensor beingoperatively connected to a processor for calculating a solution forindividual ones of the wood blocks; wherein the first conveyor chainsare sized relative to the space so that scanning information issufficient for the processor to determine the solution for the woodblock.

In alternative embodiments the scanner unit may further comprise asecond sensor operatively connected to the first processor.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a scanner unit asdisclosed above wherein the first sensor is positioned above the woodblock and the second sensor is positioned below the wood block.

In alternative embodiments the scanning information is derived when theblock makes a single pass through the scanner unit.

In alternative embodiments the processor identifies individual ones ofthe wood blocks for which no solution satisfies predeterminedparameters.

In alternative embodiments individual ones of the first conveyor chainsare less than about 1 inch wide.

In alternative embodiments an individual one of the conveyor chains isabout 0.5 inches wide.

In alternative embodiments the first conveyor chain is a bicycle chain.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a scanner unit thatfurther comprises a plurality of the first sensors and a plurality ofthe second sensors.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a method for trimming awood block that may comprise using the scanning unit as disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a wood block made usingthe scanner unit as disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed the use of an apparatusthat may comprise the scanner unit as disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a positioning paddle forpositioning a wood block on a conveyor, the paddle comprising anextending portion having an end, the end being flexible.

In alternative embodiments the positioning paddle may further comprise aplurality of individual ends.

In alternative embodiments the paddle end comprises a brush.

In alternative embodiments the brush has bristles and an individual oneof the bristles has a diameter of between about 0.04 inches and about0.08 inches.

In alternative embodiments the paddle is mounted on a cam.

In alternative embodiments the conveyor has a surface and an edge andthe paddle is moveable transversely inwardly from the edge over thesurface.

In alternative embodiments the conveyor has a direction of travel andthe paddle is moveable along the direction of travel substantially 10synchronously with the conveyor.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a method for positioning awood block on a conveyor that may comprise using the positioning paddleas disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed a wood block made 15 usingthe positioning paddle as disclosed above.

In alternative embodiments there is disclosed the use of an apparatusthat may comprise the positioning paddle as disclosed above to process awood block.

In a further embodiment there is disclosed a method for trimming a woodblock having an end, the method comprising passing the wood blockthrough a scanner on a conveyor and simultaneously scanning the woodblock; calculating a solution for the wood block; and actuating apositioner to position the wood block relative to a trimsaw for trimmingthe end of the wood block.

In alternative embodiments the wood block may make only one pass throughthe scanner; or the trimming may be the sequential trimming of aplurality of wood blocks.

Features and advantages of the subject matter disclosed will become moreapparent in light of the following detailed description of someembodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As willbe realized, the various embodiments are capable of modifications invarious respects and may be combined in a variety of alternative ways,all without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a scanner unit of an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an end view of a scanner unit of an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a first conveyor of an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the conveyor of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a conveyor chain of an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a conveyor chain of an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a conveyor chain of an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second conveyor and trimming unit ofan embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an infeed conveyor and overheadtransfer;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the transition between a first conveyor and asecond conveyor of an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the transition between a first conveyorand a second conveyor of an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a part of a trimming unit of anembodiment;

FIG. 14 is a view of kickers of an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a part of a trimming unit of anembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the trimming unit of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of an isolated, part of a trimming unit 10according to FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is an end view of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a first perspective view of a paddle of an embodiment;

FIG. 20 is an end view of a paddle assembly of an embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a side view of a paddle of an embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the paddle mounting arm and paddleassembly of an embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a top view of a part of the paddle mounting arm and paddleassembly of an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a side view of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of a part of an embodiment showing the flow ofrejected wood blocks to a ripsaw assembly;

FIG. 27 is a side perspective view of an overhead transfer assembly ofan infeed of FIG. 10;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Definitions

In this disclosure the following terms have the following meanings whichare presented by way of illustration and clarification only and are notlimiting:

The term “chain” or “conveyor chain” is intended to mean an element of aconveyor and although in particular embodiments this may be a chain perse, in alternative embodiments it may be any other form of elongatedband suitable to function as part of a conveyor structure, includingwithout limitation a metal, rubber, plastic or other strip of anysuitable material, physical properties and dimensions.

The term “continuous range” is intended to include its ordinary meaningand for greater clarity is intended to include the situation wherewithin the limits prescribed by a particular range, a large number ofpreselected values separated by relatively small intervals may beselected within the limits of accuracy of the control system therefor.By way of further clarification “continuous range” is to be contrastedwith a system which permits only a relatively limited number of possiblepositions or positions separated by relatively large increments. By wayof illustration and not limitation, in particular embodiments theincrements contemplated in a continuous range of wood block positionsmay be less than 10 inches, less than 9 inches, less than 8 inches, lessthan 7 inches, less than 6 inches, less than 5 inches, less than 4inches, less than 3 inches, less than 2 inches, less than 1 inches, lessthan 0.9 inches, less than 0.8 inches, less than 0.7 inches, less than0.6 inches, less than 0.5 inches, less than 0.4 inches, less than 0.3inches, less than 0.2 inches, less than 0.1 cm or may be any othersuitable value or range.

The term “conveyor” is intended to have its ordinary meaning andincludes any mechanical apparatus that can be used to transport a woodblock from one location to another. In particular embodiments theconveyors of the disclosure may comprise a wide range of materialsincluding rubbers, plastics, and any other synthetic or naturalmaterials all of which will be readily apparent to and selected from bythose skilled in the art so as to best suit particular applications. Inalternative embodiments conveyors may operate at various speeds whichmay be anywhere up to about 200 or more lugs per minute. Typicallyduring operation runs the speed may be between 120 and 160 lugs perminute. The actual speed used may depend on the block dimensions andquality required in the run and suitable speeds for particular purposeswill be readily identified by those skilled in the art.

The term “infeed” is intended to mean elements of a system or apparatuswhose function is to introduce wood blocks to the system from anexternal supply, conversely an “outfeed” functions to deliver woodblocks processed by the system or apparatus to a destination which maybe a hopper, a human operator, a stacking device or any other suitablereceiving arrangement. In alternative embodiments infeeds and outfeedsof the invention may comprise hoppers, singulators, conveyors, stackingapparatus, manual handling or other components.

The term “gapper” is intended to mean a mechanism for controlling themovement of wood blocks and introducing suitable gaps therebetween, thegappers of the disclosure may function by restraining the movement ofblocks from an infeed onto a conveyor in accordance with predeterminedparameters.

The term “kicker” is intended to mean any actuator or device used todisplace or in any way remove wood blocks desired to be removed from aconveyor or other location. In particular embodiments a kicker mayfunction by striking the longitudinal ends of a block with sufficientimpulsive force to expel the block from its position on a conveyor. Arange of actuator types and kickers will be readily understood by andselected from by those skilled in the art.

The term “lug” is intended to mean a projection, protrusion, recess orother restraint, hold or support for blocks of wood on a conveyor, inparticular embodiments a lug may be or comprise regions of conveyorsurface with a sufficiently high friction to prevent sliding of woodblocks thereacross during regular operation of the conveyor.

The term “positioning paddle” or “paddle” is intended to mean anystructure having a surface and suitable to position a wood block in anyof the embodiments described herein. Without limitation, in particularembodiments, a paddle may be resilient or partly resilient, and maycomprise a wide range of materials including rubbers, plastics, and anyother suitable materials all of which will be readily apparent to andselected from by those skilled in the art.

The term “positioner” or “positioning unit” is intended to mean anassembly for moving and positioning paddles to thereby position blockson a conveyor. Within the positioning unit, paddles may be disposed inpaddle arrays and the positioner may be partly determined by suitableguides in fences.

The term “processor” is intended to mean an electronic or other devicefor accepting data input, performing mathematical and logical operationsusing the data to generate a result which may include determining acutting solution, or the absence of an acceptable cutting solution, fora particular wood block. A processor may also control actuators toimplement a cutting solution, reject or otherwise process a wood block.Without limitation, in particular embodiments, the processor may consistof a programmable logic controller (PLC), a proportional integralderivative controller (PID), a digital control system (DCS), amicrocontroller, an application specific integrated circuit, or anindustrial computer. In particular embodiments one, two, three or moreprocessors may be provided separately or may be comprised in a singleunit.

The term “resilience” is intended to mean the capacity of a material toabsorb energy when it is deformed elastically and then, upon unloadingto have this energy recovered. In other words, it is the maximum energyper volume that can be elastically stored. Resilience encompassesflexibility, elasticity and like terms and may be used interchangeablytherewith herein, it being understood that any reference to flexibility,elasticity or the like shall be understood to be synonymous with andinclude resilience. The desirable or necessary Modulus of Resilience forspecific applications, will be readily calculated by those skilled inthe art using standard formulae.

The term “scanner” and “scanner unit” is intended to mean a unit forscanning wood blocks and may include one or more sensors and may includea conveyor. A scanner or scanner unit may include or may be connected toa processor. In particular embodiments the scanner may comprise aGRADEX™ scanner supplied by COMACT™.

The term “singulator” is intended to have its conventional meaning andmay include a spinning disk used to position wood blocks in longitudinalorientation to direction of movement of the conveyor.

The term “solution” or “cutting solution” is intended to mean acalculated combination of cuts whose result will be to yield a processedwood block whose shape and dimensions satisfy particular predeterminedrequirements. In particular embodiments the shaped block may be suitablefor finger jointing or for such other forms of subsequent processing asmay be chosen.

The term “wood block” is intended to mean a block that may be betweenabout 6 inches and about 30 inches long in particular embodiments. In anembodiment disclosed the blocks may be between about 8 inches and about24 inches long. In alternative embodiments the blocks may be more thanabout 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or more inches long and may be lessthan about 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21,20, 18, or fewer inches long. In particular embodiments the wood blockmay be between about 6 and 30 inches long, between about 8 and about 24inches long, or between about 10 and about 20 inches long. Particularsize ranges and selections will be readily determined by those skilledin the art to suit particular requirements. In alternative embodimentsthe width and diameter of a block may each independently be up to about1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more inches. It will be appreciatedthat the examples and embodiments presented relate to the processing ofwood blocks, but in particular alternatives the embodiments disclosedherein may be equally applicable to the cutting of blocks of othersuitable materials such as plastics, metals, ceramics, meats and thelike. Any necessary adjustments to suit different materials to beprocessed will be readily identified and implemented by those skilled inthe art.

The embodiments of the invention are described with reference to theaccompanying FIGS. 1 through 28 which are illustrative of particularembodiments and are not limiting. For clarity, not all structures arenumbered in all drawings, and alternative illustrations may be numberedto draw attention to different features of an embodiment. Someillustrations may have been simplified for clarity of explanation.

First Embodiment

In a first embodiment generally designated 2 and described withreference to FIGS. 1 through 28 there is disclosed an apparatus fortrimming a wood block 140. The apparatus may comprise a first conveyorgenerally designated 100 having a first direction of travel 102 that maycomprise a series of substantially parallel conveyor chains 104separated by spaces 106. The apparatus may further have an infeedgenerally designated 410 for delivering onto said first conveyor 100 awood block 140 extending between first and second ends 142,144. Theapparatus may also comprise a scanner unit 130 for scanning the woodblock 140 on the first conveyor 100 and comprising a first sensor 132and a first processor, the first sensor 132 being operatively connectedto the first processor for calculating a solution for wood block 140.The scanning may occur in a defined scanning zone 133. In alternativeembodiments the first conveyor 100 may comprise one, two, three, four,five or more conveyor chains 104. Each conveyor chain 104 may have awidth 110 and a surface 114 and together any two chains may define anopen space 106 between adjacent surfaces 114. It will be seen that thespaces 106 may be substantially large compared to the width 110 ofchains 104. The conveyor chains 104 may be narrow relative to said space106 between the conveyor chains 104 so that sufficient scanninginformation can be derived for the processor to calculate the solution.In the embodiment illustrated the chains 104 of first conveyor 100 maybear pins 116 which may function as lugs to guide blocks 140 on theconveyor 100. The apparatus may also comprise a trimming unit 6 actuableby the first processor and may comprise a second conveyor 150 havingfirst and second lateral edges 152, 154 and a second conveyor surface156 and a second direction of travel 161; a wood block positioner 210comprising a first paddle moveable transversely inwardly across saidsecond conveyor surface 156; and a first trimsaw 20 for trimming saidfirst end of said wood block 140. In alternative versions of theembodiment the trimming unit 6 may comprise a second paddle 230 and asecond trimsaw 21 and said second paddle 230 may be actuable by saidfirst processor to position said wood block 140 for said second trimsaw21 to trim said second end 144. In some versions sufficient scanninginformation may be derived when said block 140 passes through saidscanner unit 130 once. The apparatus may be comprised in a fingerjointing system.

In the first embodiment as illustrated particularly in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 9the chains 104 may be bicycle chains and width 110 of chains 104 may beabout 0.5 inches and the spaces 106 therebetween may be about 6 inches.In alternative embodiments the width 110 of individual ones of chains104 may be about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or more inches andthe spaces 106 therebetween may be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,or more inches. The choice of particular dimensions and particularcombinations of dimensions will be readily made by those skilled in theart to suit particular applications, block sizes and materials. Inparticular embodiments there may be one, two, three, four, five, sixseven, eight, nine, ten or more conveyor chains in a conveyor. Thedimensions of pins 116 may be chosen to minimise subsequent interferencewith scanning of the blocks 140.

The system may comprise an infeed generally designated 410 as shown inFIGS. 10 and 27, comprising an infeed conveyor 159. The infeed 410 maydeliver onto the surface 120 of the first conveyor 100 transversely tothe first direction of travel 102, a first wood block 140 that extendslongitudinally between first end 142 and second end 144. In particularembodiments the infeed 410 may comprise an infeed conveyor 159 and mayfeed the wood blocks 140 longitudinally and may synchronise its deliveryof blocks 140 with the first conveyor 100 so as to deposit individualwood blocks 140 into individual lugs 158 or individual defined positionson the first conveyor 100. A suitable gapper 16 may be provided tocontrol the feed of wood blocks 140. The infeed 410 may be configured toeliminate some types of unsuitable starting material such as narrowslivers of wood by allowing them to fall off the edge of an infeedconveyor 159. Wood blocks 140 may be oriented and delivered to theinfeed 410 manually or using a singulator 14 or a variety of othertechnologies and methods all of which will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 27 an infeed assembly generally designated 410may comprise an overhead transfer 411 comprising lugs 412 mounted oncycling drive chains 413 driven by conventional gearing assemblies 420and power means for moving wood blocks 140 across a surface 414 (whichmay itself be a conveyor) onto a first conveyor 100. An additionalinfeed conveyor 159 may feed wood blocks 140 onto the surface 414. Arange of infeeds 410 for accepting wood blocks 140 and transferring themto first conveyor 100 may be possible or desirable in particularembodiments, all alternatives will be readily understood and implementedby those skilled in the art.

The system of the first embodiment may further comprise a scanner unit130 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for scanning the first wood block 140.This scanning may be conducted when the block 140 is on the firstconveyor 100 and the scanner unit 130 may comprise one or more sensors132, 134, one or more light sources 135, 136 a sensor and a firstprocessor. In the embodiment illustrated there are provided a firstsensor 132 and a second sensor 134, one or more light sources which mayinclude lamps 135, 136 and may include lasers 137, 138. Lamps may beabove (135) the conveyor or below (136) the conveyor. Lasers maylikewise be positioned above (137) or below (138) the first conveyor100. The lamps 135, 136 may comprise three phase lighting fixtures thatmay each comprise three lamps. The use of 3 phase lighting may ensurethat 1 of the lamps is always on so that there is always an adequatelevel of illumination on the block 140 during scanning. Individual lampsmay be 32 watt Philips Universal High Vision lamps, Lamp Model#F32T8/TL835. The lasers 137, 138 used may be Dynavision scan head Model#M24B-14-24.

The first sensor 132 is provided for scanning the first wood block 140from above and the second sensor 134 may be for scanning the first woodblock 140 from below. The sensor or sensors may be cameras. The cameras,processors, length measuring ‘light curtain’ and other associatedapparatus, as well as specific algorithms comprised in a scanner and/orcomprised in a processor may be comprised in a GRADEX™ model supplied byCOMACT™. The first sensor and second sensor 132, 134 may be operativelyconnected to the first processor which is for calculating a cuttingsolution for the first wood block 140. In particular alternativeembodiments one or more of the conveyor chains 104 may be narrowrelative to the length 146 of the wood block 140 so that if a cuttingsolution is available that satisfies suitable predetermined parametersthen scanning information from the sensors 132, 134 may be sufficientfor the first processor to determine a cutting solution for the woodblock 140 when the wood block 140 makes a single pass through thescanner unit 130. It will be understood that in alternative embodimentsthe system may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six or more of thefirst and second sensors 132, 134 and one, two, three or more firstprocessors and one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen or more light sources. It willbe appreciated that a wide range of combined numbers and positions oflight sources, sensors, and processors will be readily apparent to andselected from by those skilled in the art. The specific positions ofindividual components illustrated will likewise be readily adjusted bythose skilled in the art for specific applications. In the embodimentdescribed the sensors 132, 134 are cameras, but alternatives will bereadily apparent to and selected from by those skilled in the art. Itwill be understood that in alternative embodiments the cutting solutionmay be determined by a user to suit particular purposes.

In the first embodiment the system may further comprise a trimming unit6 for trimming the scanned wood block 140 according to the cuttingsolution calculated by the first processor. The trimming unit 6 maycomprise a scanner unit 130, and comprise a second conveyor 150 foraccepting the wood block 140 from the first conveyor 100 in a transitionzone 421 and having first and second lateral edges 152, 154 and a secondconveyer surface 156 and a second direction of travel 161. In transitionzone 421 chains 104 of first conveyor 100 interdigitate with chain pairs170 of second conveyor 150 and as pins 116 of first conveyor 100 arewithdrawn, replacement lugs 158 of second conveyor 150 come intoposition to continue to urge forward movement of a given wood block 140.The second conveyor 150 may be driven by a conventional gearingapparatus generally designated 117 which may drive movement of thesecond conveyor chains 160. As shown in FIGS. 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 theembodiment illustrated the second conveyor 150 comprises a plurality oflugs 158, each mounted across two substantially parallel conveyor chains160 and aligned with corresponding lugs 158 on parallel andsubstantially synchronous pairs of conveyor chains each generallydesignated 170. Each of the individual chains 160 may be separated by araised surface 180, 190. Raised support surfaces 180 are betweenindividual chains 160 of any pair 170; wider raised surfaces 190 arebetween pairs 170. It will be understood that lugs 158 slide or moveover surfaces 180 to guide wood blocks 140 thereon and that the raisedsurfaces 180, 190 may be made of a suitably strong and slippery materialthat weight of the blocks 140 may be borne thereby instead of by chains160. It will be seen in the illustrated embodiment that a resistivemember 200 which may be a brush 306, may be positioned over the surface156 of conveyor 150 so that it drags on blocks 140 to ensure theirengagement with lugs 158 and maintains them in suitable position forprocessing.

In particular embodiments the system may also comprise a wood blockpositioner (also referred to as a “positioning unit” or “positioner”)generally designated 210 which may be comprised within a trimming unit 6connected to and actuable by the first processor and may comprise afirst paddle 220 and may comprise a second paddle 230, and the first andsecond paddles 220, 230 may be moveable along the second direction oftravel 161 of the second conveyor 150 and may be moveable transverselyinwardly across and above the second conveyor surface 156 from the edges152, 154 of the second conveyor 150. For simplicity trimsaws are notshown in all illustrations of the trimming units, but possible positionsare shown in FIG. 28. An individual example of a embodiment of a portionof a paddle assembly 299 comprising paddle 300 (which may be a firstpaddle assembly 220 or second paddle assembly 230) is shown in differentviews in FIGS. 19 through 25. A paddle 300 may comprise a supportingportion 302 and an end 304 of which a part, in this case brush 306, maybe resilient and the paddle 300, attached to a paddle mount 301 may bemounted on a paddle mounting arm 404. In particular embodiments thesystem may also comprise a second paddle 230 that may be moveable toposition the second end 144 of the first wood block 140 relative to asecond calculated cutting line and may comprise a second trimsaw 21 fortrimming the second end 144 of the first wood block 140. In alternativeembodiments, first and second paddles may be combined in a singlepositioning unit or may be in separate positioning units. It will beunderstood that in alternative embodiments a variety of saw types may beused as a trimsaw and one, two, three or more trimsaws may be providedfor particular alternative embodiments. In particular embodiments thefirst paddle 220 may be moveable to position the first end 142 of thefirst wood block 140 relative to a first calculated cutting line and thesystems may comprise a first trimsaw for trimming the first end 142 ofthe first wood block 140.

As shown in FIGS. 20, 22 and 23 paddle assembly 299 may comprise paddle300 and paddle mount 301 to which paddle 300 is attached. Paddleassemblies are slidingly mounted on arms 404, which cycle substantiallyin register with the movement of second conveyor 150. Paddle mountingarms 404 have associated mounting assemblies 405 to secure the ends ofthe mounting arms 404 to the drive chains 550 so that as the two drivechains cycle the paddle arms 404 are moved sequentially through a cycle.As will be seen drive chains 550 may be powered by a conventionalgearing system generally designated 409 which is driven by aconventional power source. An individual paddle assembly 299 isslidingly mounted on arm 404 which passes through the body 502 of themounting assembly 301 through an opening 504. The assembly 299 isslideable along arm 404 as guided by cam follower 500 so long aspositioner brake 510 is in a non-restraining position relative to arm404. It will be seen that cam follower 500 is mounted on a gimballedmounting 501 itself supported on an axle 503 extending throughappropriate receiving holes provided in a housing 508. While theassembly 500 is slideable, positioner brake arm 508 rotatable aboutpivot 506 is held in a first non restraining position wherein the brake510 does not contact arm 404. When block 140 reaches its predeterminedposition on conveyor 150 then cam follower 500 is disengaged from thepositioning fence 400 and positioner brake arm 508 is allowed to rotateabout pivot 506 so that brake 510 contacts arm 404 to frictionallyrestrain relative movement of assembly 299 along arm 404. Thus oncedisengaged from the paddle positioner fence 400, assembly 299substantially retains its predetermined position and prevents lateralmovement of block 140. Positioner brake 510 may be rubber or may be madefrom a range of other materials readily identified by those skilled inthe art. Arms 404 with an associated paddle assembly 299 are mountedacross drive chain loops 550 which are driven by a suitable powersupply. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that suitablecontrol systems may be provided to drive and coordinate the movement andspeed of the various conveyors, paddle assemblies, and other componentsof the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art will readilyunderstand a range of alternative ways to construct and implement thedetails of the paddle assembly 299 described and illustrated.

In an variant of the embodiment a plurality of first paddles 220 and aplurality of second paddles 230 may be provided and may be arrangedsequentially in first and second paddle arrays. A second paddle arraymay be converted into a second paddle array by simply reversing theorientation of the combined arm 404 and assembly 299 so that the paddleassembly 299 is oriented and moves inward in the opposite orientationfrom those in the first paddle array. In alternative embodiments theremay be provided any suitable number of first paddles 220 and there maybe provided any suitable number of second paddles 230.

In particular variants of the embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 28 thesystem may also comprise an output ripsaw unit fed from the trimmingunit 6. The output ripsaw unit comprising a ripsaw array 415 which maycomprise one, two, three or more ripsaws, and a ripsaw feed 425 to feedthe trimmed wood block 140 to the ripsaw 4 array 415. The ripsaw feed425 may be positioned substantially at right angles to the secondconveyor 150 so that trimmed blocks 140 can be directly moved onto theripsaw feed 425. In particular embodiments the system may comprise aripsaw outfeed 417 for a trimmed wood block 140 or for a trimmed and 15ripped wood block 140.

In particular variants of the embodiments the first processor maydetermine when there is no cutting solution that satisfies predeterminedparameters for the first wood block 140 and the system may furthercomprise one or more kickers 250 actuable by the first processor toeject the first wood block 140 when the processor determines that thereis no cutting solution that satisfies the predetermined parameters. Oneor more edge guides 251 may also be provided to assist in the initialpositioning of blocks 140 on second conveyor 150. In alternativeembodiments one, two, three or more kickers 250 may transfer wood blocks140 designated by the first processor, to a second ripsaw feed 425. Feed425 may move the blocks 140 to be thus processed, through a secondripsaw array 415 comprising one or more second ripsaws 416′, 416″,416″′. The ripped blocks 140 may then be further processed.

In particular variant embodiments the first wood block 140 may have anassociated location on one of the conveyors 100, 150 and the system mayfurther comprise a reservoir for holding a second wood block extendinglongitudinally between first and second ends and for which theacceptable cutting solution is calculable by the processor. Inembodiments the system may comprise a second processor for tracking thelocation associated with the first wood block 140; and a second infeedoperably connected to and actuable by the second processor fordelivering the second wood block into the location transversely to thesecond direction of travel if the first wood block 140 has been ejected.In particular embodiments the location may be defined by a lug 158.

In particular variant embodiments the system may further comprise: athird sensor and a third processor suitably positioned and operativelyconnected to identify vacant locations, which may be empty lugs 158, onthe surface one of the conveyors; a reservoir 22 for holding the secondwood block extending longitudinally between first and second ends andfor which the acceptable cutting solution is calculable; and a secondinfeed 24 for transversely delivering the second wood block into thevacant location, the second infeed 24 being actuable by the secondprocessor to deliver the second wood block to fill the vacant locationon the surface of one of the conveyors 100, 150.

In particular variants embodiments a paddle assembly 299 may have an endpart, the end part may be resilient and may comprise a brush 306. Inparticular embodiments the brush 306 may have bristles 311 and thebristles 311 may be about 0.06 (sixty one thousandths) of an inch indiameter. In particular alternative embodiments the diameter of theindividual bristles 311 may be between about 0.1 and 30 0.001 inches,between about 0.01 and 0.1 inches, between about 0.02 and 0.1 inches,between about 0.03 and 0.1 inches, between about 0.5 and 0.1 inches,between about 0.01 and 0.02 inches, 0.02 and 0.03, 0.03 and 0.04, 0.04and 0.05, 0.05 and 0.06, 0.06 and 0.07, 0.07 and 0.08, 0.08 and 0.09,0.09 and 0.1, 0.1 and 0.2, 0.2 and 0.3, 0.3 and 0.4 inches or may bemore than about 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or moreinches or may be in any other suitable range. In a first embodiment thebristles 311 may be supplied by AMERICAN BRUSH™.

It will be understood that although some embodiments of a paddleassembly 299 may comprise a brush 306 and bristles 311, in alternativeembodiments of the paddle assembly 299 the end 304 may have a unitarysurface or other design. It will be apparent that the precise degree ofresilience (which term is used herein to include flexibility) necessaryor desirable for particular uses will be readily determined by thoseskilled in the art to best suit the properties of the particular woodblocks 140, the properties of the conveyors 100, 150 and the desiredparameters of the system.

In particular variant embodiments individual ones of the conveyor chains104, 160 may be less than about 1 inch wide, and in alternatives thefirst conveyor chains 104 may be less than about 0.9 inches, less thanabout 0.8 inches, less than about 0.7 inches, less than about 0.6inches, less than about 0.5 inches, less than about 0.4 inches, lessthan about 3 inches, less than about 2 inches, or less than about 1.5inches. In particular embodiments individual ones of the conveyor chains104, 160 may be about 0.5 inches wide. In particular embodiments theconveyor chains 104, 160 may be bicycle chains and there may be one,two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more conveyorchains 104, 160. The spacing of the conveyor chains 104, 160 will bereadily adjusted by those skilled in the art to suit the particulardimensions of the blocks to be processed and to be compatible with thewidth of the conveyor chains 104, 160 and the particular requirements ofthe user. Those skilled in the art will be readily able to adjust theconfiguration and dimensions of the conveyor chains 104, 160 to permitthe scanner unit 130 to scan the wood blocks 140 in sufficient detail toallow the calculation of a cutting solution for the block 140 or thedetermination that no acceptable cutting solution is available for thewood block 140.

In particular alternative embodiments the first paddles 220, or thesecond paddles 230 or the first and second paddles may be mounted alonga paddle positioning fence 400 on mounting arm 404 and with the paddleassembly 299 mounted thereon on a cam mount. Paddle assembly 299 and arm404 are together collectively denoted 402. In particular embodiments apaddle positioning fence 400 may be oriented along a line convergingwith the second direction of travel 161 of the second conveyor 150. Inparticular embodiments the line of the first paddle positioning fence400 may converge with the second direction of travel 161 of the secondconveyor 150 at an angle and the angle may be between about 10 degreesand about 20 degrees. In particular alternative embodiments the angle ofconvergence may be about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 or more degrees. In further alternativeembodiments the angle may be between about 5 and 10 degrees, betweenabout 10 and 15 degrees, between about 10 and 20 degrees, between about15 and about 20 degrees, between about 20 and about 25 degrees or may begreater than about 10 degrees or may be less than about 20 degrees.

As shown in the illustrations in a paddle array 422 the mounted paddleassemblies 299 may be on a continuous loop which brings the paddles downinto register with the conveyor 100, 150, moves them along synchronouslywith locations thereon, and then after the wood block 140 has reachedits predetermined position the paddle may be withdrawn and returned tothe start of the array. The implementation of this system and its designwill be readily understood and put into practice by those skilled in theart.

As explained with reference to the first embodiment any given paddleassembly 299 may have an end part and the end part 304 may be resilient,and the paddle 300 may be a brush 306 and the bristles 311 of the brush306 may have a range of defined thicknesses as further disclosed herein.In particular embodiments one of the first and second conveyors 100, 150may comprise a lug 158 having a lug surface 157 for preventing anindividual one of the wood blocks 140 from sliding backwards relative tothe direction of movement of the conveyor 102, 161; a resistive member200 may be mounted above at least one of the first conveyor surface 120and the second conveyor surface 156 for urging the wood block 140against the lug surface 157; and the resistive member 200 may beresilient. In particular embodiments the resistive member 200 may be abrush 306 as described with reference to other embodiments and as thedegree of resilience of the brush 306 may have a range of values asdescribed for the paddle 300. In particular embodiments one of the firstand second conveyors 100, 150 may further comprise a plurality of lugs158. In particular embodiments the infeed 410 may comprise a thirdconveyor 171 substantially at right angles to the first conveyor 100 fordelivering the wood block 140 onto the first conveyor surface 120transversely to the first direction of travel of the first conveyor 102.

In an embodiment, trimmed blocks 140 may be passed to a feed 425, to aripsaw array 415 and thence to a further outfeed 417. Conveyors,including first, second, third and additional conveyors, used inalternative embodiments may all comprise one or more lugs.

It will be further understood that in embodiments the blocks 140 fed outfrom the trimming and ripping steps set out above may then be fed into afinger jointing system of any of many types well known to those skilledin the art. The feeding of wood blocks 140 for finger jointing may thusbe accomplished manually or by all manner of automatic transfer means.

Second Embodiment

In a second embodiment generally described with particular reference toFIGS. 9, 13, 15, 16, 17, 28 there is disclosed a trimming unit 6 fortrimming a wood block 140. The trimming unit 6 may comprise a conveyor150, a processor and a wood block positioner 210. The conveyor 150 maybe able to carry a wood block 140 having first and second ends 142, 144,and may have first and second lateral edges 152, 154, a conveyor surface156, and an associated direction of travel 161. The wood blockpositioner 210 may be actuable by said processor, and may comprise afirst paddle 220 moveable along the direction of travel 161 of theconveyor 150 and transversely inwardly across and above the conveyor 150to position the first end 142 of the wood block 140 relative to a firsttrimsaw 20.

In alternative variant embodiments the trimming unit 6 may furthercomprise a second paddle 230 moveable to position the second end 144 ofsaid wood block 140 relative to a second trimsaw 21. In alternativeembodiments the trimming may be preparation for finger jointing.

The unit 6 may be for preparing a wood block 140 for finger jointing.The unit 6 may comprise: a longitudinally extending first conveyor 100having a first conveyor surface 120 and an associated first direction oftravel 102; and may comprise an infeed 410 for transversely deliveringonto the first conveyor 100 a wood block 140 extending longitudinallybetween first and second ends 142, 144; a scanning unit 130 for scanningthe wood block 140 while on the first conveyor 100. In particularembodiments the unit 6 may comprise a processor connected to orcomprised within the scanning unit 130 for calculating a cuttingsolution for the wood block 140 and a second conveyor 150 for acceptingthe wood block 140 from the first conveyor 100. The second conveyor 150may have a first and second lateral edges 152 and 154, a second conveyorsurface 156, and an associated second direction of travel 161. Inparticular embodiments the trimming unit 6 may comprise a wood blockpositioner 210 operably connected to and actuable by a first processor,the positioner 210 may comprise a first paddle 220 and may comprise asecond paddle 230, the paddles being moveable along the direction oftravel 161 of the second conveyor 150 and transversely inwardly from theedges 152, 154 across and above the surface of the second conveyor 156.In particular embodiments the first paddle 220 may be moveable againstthe wood block 140 to position the first end 142 of the wood block 140relative to a first calculated cutting line and a first trimsaw 20 maybe provided for trimming the first end 142 of the wood block at thefirst calculated cutting line. In particular embodiments the secondpaddle 230 may be moveable against the wood block 140 to position thesecond end 144 of the wood block relative to a second calculated cuttingline and a second trimsaw 21 may be provided for trimming the second end144 of the wood block 140 at the second calculated cutting line. Inparticular embodiments the unit may comprise an outfeed for acceptingfrom the second conveyor 150 the trimmed wood block 140 as trimmed bythe first and second trimsaws 20, 21.

As explained with reference to other alternative embodiments, in someembodiments the trimming unit 6 and positioner 210 may comprise aplurality of the first paddles 220, a plurality of second paddles 230,or pluralities of first paddles 220 and second paddles 230 and the woodblock 140 may be associated with a location on the second conveyorsurface 156 and an individual one of the first paddles 220 or of thesecond paddles 230 or of first and second paddles 220, 230 may bemoveable in the second direction of travel 161 of the second conveyor150 substantially synchronously with the location. In alternativeembodiments the location may be associated with a lug 158 or otherequivalent structure or feature.

In alternative embodiments the first paddles 220 may be arranged in afirst paddle array 422 comprising a first paddle positioning fence 400;the first paddle positioning fence 400 may be oriented along a lineconverging with the second direction of travel 161 of the secondconveyor 150; and individual ones of the first paddles 220 may bemoveable incrementally inwardly across the second conveyor 150 through acontinuous range of positions from an edge 152 of the conveyor 150.Similarly in further particular embodiments the second paddles 230 maybe arranged in a second paddle array 423 comprising a second paddlepositioning fence 401; the second paddle positioning fence 401 may beoriented along a line converging with the second direction 161 of travelof the second conveyor 150; and individual ones of the second paddles230 may be moveable incrementally inwardly across the second conveyor150 through a continuous range of positions from an edge 154 of theconveyor 150. Further details of alternative embodiments of the secondembodiment are disclosed in further detail with respect to the otherprimary embodiments.

Third Embodiment

In a third embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, there isdisclosed a scanner unit 130 for continuously scanning wood blocks 140to be finger jointed. The scanner unit 130 may comprise: a firstconveyor 100 having a first direction of travel 102 for carrying saidwood blocks 140 oriented substantially transversely to said firstdirection of travel 102 and comprising two substantially parallel firstconveyor chains 104, each having a width 110 and a surface 114 andtogether defining an open space 106 between the surfaces 114. Thescanner unit 130 may also comprise a first sensor 132 for scanning thewood blocks 140 while they are being carried by the first conveyor 100,the first sensor 132 being operatively connected to a processor forcalculating a solution for individual ones of said wood blocks 140. Thefirst conveyor chains 104 may be sized relative to said space 106 sothat scanning information is sufficient for said processor to determinea said solution for a said wood block 140.

In alternative embodiments the scanner unit 130 may further comprise asecond sensor 134 operatively connected to said first processor; saidfirst sensor 132 may be positioned above said wood block 140 and saidsecond sensor 134 may be positioned below said wood block 140.

In alternative embodiments the scanning information is derived when saidwood block 140 makes a single pass through said scanner unit 130.

In alternative embodiments the scanner unit 130 may be for preparingwood blocks 140 to be finger jointed. The scanner unit 130 may comprise:a first conveyor 100 having a first direction of travel 102 for carryingthe wood blocks 140 oriented substantially transversely to the firstdirection of travel 102 of the first conveyor 100. Conveyor 100 maycomprise two substantially parallel conveyor chains 104, each having awidth (also referred to as a diameter) 110 and a surface 114 andtogether defining an open space 106 between the surfaces 114. There mayalso be provided a first sensor 132 for scanning the wood blocks 140from above and a second sensor 134 for scanning the wood blocks 140 frombelow. In embodiments scanning may be completed while the wood blocks140 are being carried by the first conveyor 120; and the first andsecond sensors 132, 134 may be being operatively connected to aprocessor for calculating a cutting solution for individual ones of thewood blocks 140. The conveyor chains 104 may be sized relative to thelength of individual ones of the wood blocks 140 so that scanninginformation from the sensors 132, 134 is sufficient for the processor todetermine a cutting solution satisfying predetermined parameters forsuitable individual ones of the wood blocks 140 when the individual onesof the wood blocks 140 make a single pass through the scanner unit 130.In particular embodiments the processor may be for identifyingindividual ones of the wood blocks 140 for which no cutting solutionsatisfies the predetermined parameters.

As disclosed with reference to other embodiments alternative numbers andconfigurations of sensors 132, 134 and processors and alternative rangesof conveyor chain dimensions and separations may be possible inalternative embodiments.

Fourth Embodiment

In a fourth embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 19 through 25there is disclosed a positioning paddle 300 and paddle assembly 299 forpositioning a wood block 140 at a transverse position on a conveyor 150,the paddle 300 may comprise an extending portion 302 having an end 304,and the end may be resilient, which resilience may be associated with apart 306 of the end portion and may be a brush 306. In alternativeembodiments the paddle 300 may comprise a plurality of individual ends304, and may comprise a brush 306. As set out in greater detail withrespect to alternative embodiments the brush 306 may have bristles 311,which may have a range of thicknesses, and the paddle 300 may be mountedon a cam and may move along a paddle positioning fence 400. Inparticular embodiments the conveyor 150 has a surface 156 and an edge152, 154 and the paddle 300 is moveable transversely inwardly from theedge over the surface 156. In particular embodiments the paddle 300 hasa direction of travel and the paddle 300 may be moveable along thedirection of travel substantially synchronously with the conveyor 150.

An embodiment of paddle assembly 299 (which may be a first paddle 220 orsecond paddle 230) is shown in different views in accompanying FIGS. 20through 25 and is also seen in operation in other Figures. The paddle300 may comprise a supporting portion 302 and an end 304 of which apart, in this case brush 306, may be resilient. As is disclosed inreference to other embodiments the specific details of resilience andpaddle design will be readily adjusted by those skilled in the art tosuit specific requirements.

Fifth Embodiment

In a fifth embodiment as illustrated particularly with reference to FIG.1 the systems and methods disclosed comprise a series of steps. In afirst step (900) blocks 140 may first be fed to a first conveyor 100.This feeding may be accomplished by a variety of infeeds 410 asdisclosed herein. On the first conveyor 100, in a next step (902) ablock 140 may be scanned by the scanner unit 130 and data collected andfed (904) to a first, second, third or other processors. The appropriateprocessor processes (906) the data relating to a given block 140. Theprocessor then determines whether a cutting solution (920) is possiblefor the block 140. If a cutting solution (920) is determined to bepossible for the block 140 then the processor initiates a series ofactions (908) commencing with the determination (922) of a cuttingsolution. Once a cutting solution (920) has been determined theprocessor may actuate an appropriate first paddle 220 to position theblock 140 for trimming of the first end 142 thereof (924). When a firstend trimming, if necessary, has been accomplished the processor mayactuate a second paddle 230 to position the block for trimming of thesecond end 144 thereof (926). The trimmed block may then be fed (928) toa ripsaw 416 where appropriate, as directed by the processor in responseto the cutting solution (920) that has been determined for the block140. From the ripsaw 416 the block 140 may be fed (930) to a ripsawoutfeed 417. From the ripsaw outfeed 417 the block 140 may be feddirectly (932) into a finger jointing system of appropriate design,which design will be readily selected and implemented by those skilledin the art, or may alternatively be fed (934) into some alternativesystem, or stacked, packaged or otherwise processed.

If the first or other processor on processing (906) the block data 30determines that no cutting solution is possible for the block 140 thenthe block 140 is processed according to a second decision tree (910) andmay be rejected (950) from the conveyor 100 by a suitable kicker 250 orequivalent device and a suitable replacement block 140 may be fed from areservoir 22 to replace the rejected block 140 as indicated at (952).

It will be appreciated that a variety of refinements and amendments tothe foregoing embodiment will be readily recognized and implemented bythose skilled in the art. Details of specific elements are disclosedherein with reference to alternative embodiments.

Further Embodiments

In further embodiments there are disclosed methods, systems and kits fortrimming wood blocks 140 for finger jointing using the systems andmethods described in particular alternative embodiments. In furtherembodiments there are disclosed methods, systems and kits forpositioning wood blocks 140 on conveyors 100, 150. In furtherembodiments there are disclosed methods, systems and kits forautomatically determining desired properties of wood blocks 140 and fordetermining processing solutions for the blocks 140. In furtheralternative embodiments there are disclosed methods for trimming a woodblock 140 comprising trimming the wood block 140 using a system,scanning unit 130, positioning unit or paddles assemblies 299 accordingto any one of the other embodiments. In further alternative embodimentsthere are also disclosed wood blocks 140 made using any of the otherembodiments. In further alternative embodiments there is disclosed theuse of a system, apparatus, or method comprising any of the embodimentsto process a wood block 140.

The embodiments presented herein are illustrative of the general natureof the subject matter claimed and are not limiting. It will beunderstood by those skilled in the art how these embodiments can bereadily modified and/or adapted for various applications and in variousways without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matterdisclosed and claimed. The claims hereof are to be understood to includewithout limitation all alternative embodiments and equivalents of thesubject matter hereof. Phrases, words and terms employed herein areillustrative and are not limiting. Where permissible by law, allreferences cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.It will be appreciated that any aspects of the different embodimentsdisclosed herein may be combined in a range of possible alternativeembodiments, and alternative combinations of features, all of whichvaried combinations of features are to be understood to form a part ofthe subject matter claimed.

1. A wood block positioner for positioning on a conveyor a wood blockhaving a first and second end, said positioner adapted to be at leastpartly operatively locatable over the conveyor surface, said wood blockpositioner comprising a first paddle actuable to move along thedirection of travel of the conveyor at substantially the same speed asthe conveyor and transversely to the direction of travel of the conveyorto a predetermined position, the first paddle adapted to engage the woodblock on the conveyor surface for positioning the first end of the woodblock.
 2. The positioner according to claim 1, further comprising anopposed end stop, wherein the first paddle holds the wood block in thepredetermined position without urging the wood block against the endstop.
 3. The positioner according to claim 1, further comprising a firstpaddle positioner fence, wherein the first paddle is associated with thefirst paddle positioner fence and when the first end of the wood blockreaches the predetermined position the first paddle disengages from thefirst fence and holds the wood block in the predetermined position. 4.The positioner according to claim 1 further comprising a scanner unitfor scanning the wood block and actuating the first paddle to positionthe wood block at the predetermined position.
 5. The positioneraccording to claim 4 wherein the block passes through the scanner unitonly once.
 6. The positioner according to claim 5 further comprising aprocessor for calculating the predetermined position for the wood blockand actuating the first paddle to position the wood block.
 7. Thepositioner according to claim 1, wherein the conveyor comprises lugs forengaging the block, and the positioner further comprises a resistivemember for urging the block against the lugs.
 8. The positioneraccording to claim 7, wherein the wood block has a length and the lengthis less than about 35 inches.
 9. The positioner according to claim 1,further comprising a second paddle, the second paddle moveablesubstantially synchronously with a location on the conveyor andtransversely across the conveyor to a predetermined position, whereinthe second paddle is adapted to thereby position the second end of thewood block.
 10. The positioner according to claim 9, further comprisinga plurality of second paddles and a second paddle positioning fenceconverging with the direction of travel of the conveyor, wherein thepaddles are arranged along the paddle positioning fence.
 11. Thepositioner according to claim 10, wherein individual ones of said firstpaddles and said second paddles comprise a flexible end portion.
 12. Thepositioner according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of firstpaddles, and a first paddle positioning fence, wherein the first paddlesare arranged along the first paddle positioning fence and the processorselectively actuates individual ones of the paddles to moveincrementally inwardly over the conveyor surface to adopt apredetermined position for selectively positioning one of the woodblocks.
 13. A method for positioning a wood block on a conveyor havingfirst and second lateral edges, the method comprising the steps of:using a scanning unit to scan the wood block; calculating a desiredposition for the wood block on the conveyor; using the scanner unit toactuate a first positioning paddle operatively located above theconveyor to move along the direction of travel of the conveyor atsubstantially the same speed as the conveyor over a distance and to moveincrementally across the conveyor to a predetermined position relativeto the first and second lateral edges and displace the wood block acrossthe conveyor thereby positioning the wood block at the calculatedposition relative to the first lateral edge of the conveyor.
 14. Themethod according to claim 12, wherein said first paddle holds the blockin the calculated position without urging the block against an opposedend stop.
 15. The method according to claim 12 comprising using aplurality of said first paddles to sequentially position a plurality ofsaid wood blocks.
 16. The method according to claim 12 wherein each woodblock is scanned only once.
 17. The method according to claim 16 furthercomprising the step of sequentially positioning a plurality of woodblocks.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein individual ones ofthe wood block are less than about 30 inches long.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 16, further comprising the steps of providing aplurality of lugs on the conveyor, and urging individual ones of thewood blocks against individual ones of the lugs to hold the blocks inposition on the conveyor.
 20. The method according to claim 12 furthercomprising using the scanner unit to actuate a second positioning paddleoperatively located above the conveyor to move along the direction oftravel of the conveyor at substantially the same speed as the conveyorover a distance and to move incrementally across the conveyor to apredetermined position relative to the first and second lateral edgesand displace the wood block across the conveyor to thereby position thewood block at the calculated position relative to the second lateraledge of the conveyor.